Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Icing
Indulge in the ultimate combination of warmth and sweetness with this moist and flavorful Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Icing. Packed with freshly grated carrots, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the optional crunch of chopped walnuts, this classic dessert is elevated by its irresistibly creamy icing made with rich cream cheese and a touch of pure maple syrup. Perfectly spiced and delicately sweetened, this cake is an impressive centerpiece for any celebration or cozy gathering. With just 25 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe delivers a show-stopping dessert that’s as comforting as it is decadent.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking soda
- 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 4 pieces Large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 3 cups Grated carrots
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 0.25 cup Maple syrup
- 3.5 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare the icing, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Add the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of icing on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, and spread icing evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8589 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 447.8 g | 574% | |
| Saturated Fat | 148.9 g | 744% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1253 mg | 418% | |
| Sodium | 5329 mg | 232% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1128.6 g | 410% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.7 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 897.2 g | ||
| Protein | 79.0 g | 158% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 785 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 23.6 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 2224 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
